The Managing Director of National Investment Bank PLC (NIB), Chief Dr. Doliwura Zakaria, has been honoured as a Peace Ambassador by the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COFP). The recognition came during the graduation ceremony of the Foundation’s 2024/2025 Fellowship Program in Abuja, Nigeria, held on May 17, 2025.

This honour reflects more than just professional achievement — it is a recognition of Dr. Zakaria’s deep personal commitment to peacebuilding and social justice. His participation in the year-long fellowship, which focuses on interfaith dialogue, conflict resolution, and mediation, gave him a renewed sense of purpose to serve not just as a banker and traditional leader, but as a voice for unity and inclusion.

The COFP Fellowship, led by His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan, brings together people from different faiths and backgrounds to learn how to resolve conflict peacefully, engage meaningfully with others, and become champions of justice in their communities. Through shared experiences and practical tools, the program empowers participants to return home as ambassadors of peace.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Zakaria expressed heartfelt gratitude to Cardinal Onaiyekan and the COFP community. He credited the program with shaping not only his leadership style but also his perspective on the role of faith in healing divisions. He pledged to use his platform — both as Managing Director of NIB and Traditional Leader of the Kusawgu people — to promote peace and work actively against human trafficking and modern-day slavery, especially in vulnerable communities in Ghana’s northern regions.

“This recognition is not just mine — it belongs to everyone committed to building a more peaceful and just society,” he said.

As part of his commitment, Dr. Zakaria organized a one-day workshop in Tamale on February 21, 2025, focused on the themes of migration, human trafficking, and modern-day slavery. The event drew a diverse group of community leaders, religious figures, and civil society representatives. Together, they discussed practical ways to raise awareness, educate the public, and push for systemic change.

The workshop concluded with a joint communiqué led by Dr. Zakaria and Sheikh Abdul Mumin Dalhu, spiritual leader of the Shia Muslim community in the Northern Region. In it, participants pledged to use their voices and platforms to educate their congregations and communities on the dangers of human trafficking and exploitation.

The Peace Ambassador title, therefore, is more than ceremonial — it represents a growing movement of leaders in Ghana who believe in dialogue, collaboration, and compassion as tools for change. At a time when the country is facing social and economic challenges, especially in underserved areas, the work of people like Dr. Zakaria stands as a reminder that peacebuilding must be proactive and people-led.

Ghana has gained not just a Peace Ambassador, but a leader who is committed to using every tool — from boardrooms to community gatherings — to drive lasting, positive change.